Egypt made history on Friday after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties to record their first-ever victory in a FIFA World Cup knockout match and book a place in the last 16.
The Pharaohs held their nerve in the shootout after the match ended 1-1 following extra time at the Dallas Stadium.
Egypt took the lead against the run of play in the 13th minute when Emam Ashour powered home a cross from Karim Hafez. It was Ashour’s second goal of the tournament and helped Egypt reach six goals at the 2026 World Cup, more than they had scored in all their previous World Cup appearances combined.
Australia nearly made the perfect start when Cristian Volpato’s long-range effort struck the crossbar after just five minutes.
The Socceroos pushed for an equaliser and came close before half-time, but Aziz Behich failed to beat Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir from close range.
Egypt had a golden opportunity to double their lead early in the second half, but Omar Marmoush missed the target after breaking through on goal.
Australia finally found an equaliser in the 55th minute when Egypt defender Mohamed Hany accidentally turned Aiden O’Neill’s free-kick into his own net. The own goal was the 13th of the tournament, setting a new World Cup record.
Both teams created chances to win the match in normal time. Egypt came closest in stoppage time when Ramy Rabia’s powerful header from Mohamed Salah’s cross was brilliantly saved by Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach.
Neither side could find a winner during extra time, sending the match to penalties.
Australia introduced experienced goalkeeper Mat Ryan for the shootout, but the move did not pay off as Egypt converted all four of their penalties through Mahmoud Saber, Ramy Rabia, Mohamed Salah and Hossam Abdelmaguid.
Australia’s Harry Souttar missed their opening penalty by firing over the bar, while teenager Lucas Herrington struck the crossbar. Jackson Irvine and Awer Mabil scored for Australia, but it was not enough to prevent defeat.
The victory sparked emotional celebrations among the Egyptian players, with captain Mohamed Salah reduced to tears after helping his country achieve a historic milestone.
Egypt will now face either Argentina or Cape Verde in the Round of 16 as they continue their memorable World Cup campaign, while Australia head home after suffering their third defeat in three World Cup knockout matches.
